I RECENTLY took my 88-year-old disabled mum, who can barely see or hear, to an appointment at Age UK in Darlington.

While there, we got a parking ticket, as mum’s blue badge had expired six months ago.

She wasn’t aware of this as Darlington Borough Council has stopped sending reminders and, well, she’s 88.

My appeal was rejected on the grounds that the responsibility lies with the badge holder.

Understandably, mum is extremely stressed about the whole thing, and I am appalled at how the council is treating its elderly residents, not least because the appeal rejection letter was sent by the Deptartment of Economic Growth, indicating that this is nothing more than a money-making exercise.

Susie Cummins, Witton Park, Bishop Auckland